Station Ooe

Discover the Heart of Tohoku’s Heritage at Ooe Roadside Station

Nestled along the banks of the historic Mogami River in Yamagata Prefecture, Ooe Roadside Station stands as a vibrant gateway to the region’s rich cultural and natural legacy. More than a mere stop for travelers, it is a celebration of local tradition, innovation, and community spirit. The station’s name, “Koramagase,” draws inspiration from the ancient Mogami River boat songs, reflecting the area’s deep historical roots and the enduring rhythm of rural life.

At Ooe, visitors experience authentic regional flavors through a curated selection of seasonal produce, handmade sweets, and local delicacies, including the famed La France pear. The station features a lively restaurant and bakery, a bustling market hall, and regular events such as traditional boat song performances, mochi pounding, and seasonal harvest festivals. With its striking modern design, expanded parking, and dedication to environmental stewardship, Ooe Roadside Station offers a seamless blend of heritage and modern convenience—perfect for travelers seeking a genuine taste of Japan’s countryside.

Ooe roadside station stands out for its deep connection to the history of the Mogami River’s traditional barge transport system, a heritage uniquely celebrated here through live performances of the ancient Mogami River Barge Song and dance. Visitors can experience this living tradition during seasonal events, including the grand opening ceremony with a symbolic rice cake pounding and rare, limited-edition dorayaki filled with local French plums. The station’s name, “Koramagase,” directly honors this cultural legacy, making it the only roadside station in the region where this historical music and dance are actively performed and preserved.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure one of the 300 limited-edition commemorative tickets, which are distributed starting at 10:00 AM on October 5 during the Grand Opening celebration and are available only to customers with a receipt totaling 500 yen or more from any shop within the roadside station.

• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the seasonal "La France" fruit and confectionery set, which was gifted to the 100,000th visitor and may occasionally be available for purchase or as a special event item.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the bakery area between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM to catch the fresh-baked milk bread, which sells out quickly and is only available during the morning hours of the Grand Opening and early weekend days.

• Best Purchase Time: Buy local produce such as fruits and vegetables from the fresh market before 12:00 PM on weekdays to ensure the highest quality, as the produce is delivered daily and tends to be freshest in the morning hours before the midday heat affects shelf life.

• Unique Event Access: Arrive by 9:30 AM on October 5 to attend the Grand Opening Ceremony, which includes the unveiling of the "Koramagase" theme, traditional boat songs and dances, and a mochi pounding event—access to these activities is only available during the official ceremony window.

• Exclusive Offer: Check the roadside station’s Instagram page (@michinoeki_oe) daily for real-time updates on limited product arrivals, especially for seasonal items like the "La France" fruit and confectionery set, which are often released in small batches and sell out fast.

• Sustainable Visiting Tip: Use the designated waste disposal bins only—do not leave trash in the parking lot or in unauthorized areas, as the roadside station has issued public appeals to maintain cleanliness and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, creating a vibrant yellow landscape. Fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market from early April.

Summer (June–August): The roadside station hosts seasonal events like the grand opening celebration in October, featuring traditional boat songs and mochi pounding.

Autumn (September–November): The station celebrates its anniversary with special events, including a commemorative ticket giveaway and local food tastings.

Winter (December–February): No specific seasonal activities or products are mentioned for this period.